A song
4 today

This site began as a response to the restrictions on public worship caused by the coronavirus.

For the background to this site, please see About.

For Today...

'Let it be to me'

I think we've sung this nearly every year since it was written.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFSW9VRmHTc - by Graham Kendrick.

(11/12/2025)

Recent links

'Hark, the glad sound! the Saviour comes'

A good solid old Advent hymn, which we sing to the even older good solid tune Bristol.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeBRYhG86x0 - a recording by the Chet Valley churches.

(10/12/2025)

'When out of poverty is born'

Advent hymn from Kathy Galloway, and yet another good use for the tune 'Kingsfold'.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzwyjnACz0o - recorded for Christian Aid.

(09/12/2025)

'The angel Gabriel from heaven came'

A Basque carol that's become core repertoire for us now.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pliqObTHxUQ - the choir of King's College Cambridge.

(08/12/2025)

'Come Thou long-expected Jesus'

An Advent fixture, which we sing to Stuttgart. Searching Youtube, I found a number of recordings set to Hyfrydol (as if that tune doesn't have enough to do) and one to Stainer's Cross of Jesus. I would stick to Stuttgart, unless also using Jesus Hope of Every Nation, another Advent hymn that benefits from it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZY0e5Uux8I - from an Advent service at St Luke's Ordinariate Parish, Maryland, USA.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEEd0uWnDGs - choir of St John's College, Cambridge, singing it to Cross of Jesus.

(07/12/2025)

'O bless the God of Israel'

A good one for Advent Sunday, or for that season.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=umZXxbh6IGw&start=1718&end=1852 - the last hymn in a service from Rothley Parish Church. (Words and accompaniment only.)

(06/12/2025)

'He Came Down'

A song from Cameroon - useful at Advent and at other times.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PKMuSs_OEs - album recording - it says 'songs for Children', but these songs are fine for everyone.

(05/12/2025)

'Litany of the Word'

An Advent liturgy, but there's no good reason to confine it to such a short season. It's repetitive if you just listen, but very powerful and inspiring if you participate.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tprf4CfkG_g - a recording with two cantors sharing the role.

(04/12/2025)

'How lovely on the mountains'

Golden oldie that tends to resurface in Advent. It can rock along nicely - especially the chorus.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lHBEIWZ9k4 - solo version from James Kilbane.

(03/12/2025)

'Let all mortal flesh keep silence'

Ancient French carol tune, and words from the Liturgy of St James, and even older text. Unmissable for communion services in this season.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dy_qdLwej4 - Stephen Cleobury's arrangement, sung by Somerville College choir.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHkXHdVwm8o - used as a processional, with a long introduction. From a church in Nebraska.

(02/12/2025)

'All Earth was Dark'

Graham Kendrick in his usual good form.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S1R9ReprFg - a local church's live recording.

(01/12/2025)

'Light of the World, You came down into darkness'

A very popular Chris Tomlin song, for Advent and other times.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa9FIUHKIWQ - a bit scratchy, but nicely arranged.

(30/11/2025)

'You have called us by our name'

A deservedly popular Bernadette Farrell 'all-age' song of church, belonging, and the Christian journey.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTWDmv0kb5g - piano and guitars plus vocal/instrumental descants - children's choir.

(29/11/2025)

'Our God is greater'

A song the band can get really their teeth into... especially the electric guitarist. Needs a bit of rethinking for smaller congregations though.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJpt1hSYf2o - Chris Tomlin a live performance.

(28/11/2025)

'Send me out from here, Lord'

A very direct song in John Pantry's distinctive style. A song to end a service with.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd1BattWF9Y - John Pantry album recording

(27/11/2025)

'Salvation belongs to our God'

A golden oldie which we still sing from time to time.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZcG8cSxDiU - nicely done, with a special mention for the drummer.

(26/11/2025)

'You're the Word of God the Father '

A lot of ground covered in this Stuart Townend song - can be useful.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPXgfaQKZ0k - live recording.

(25/11/2025)

'Jesus is King'

A fine 20th Century hymn with a nicely syncopated rhythm. It's syncopated enough to defeat some congregational singers, alas, but they can hardly be blamed:- I've heard too many church musicians play it like a 19th century congregation would want to sing it, which is a sad thing, as it's great fun when done properly.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=km-zgzp-7wk

(24/11/2025)

'Christ be beside me (St Patrick's Breastplate)'

Sung to Bunessan. Best with an accompaniment that respects the origins of the tune.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPvQaVUexCk - lightly accompanied female harmonies.

(23/11/2025)

'Lord, I come to You'

Well known and popular song from Geoff Bullock, with music which lends itself to worship in gloriously endless variations.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL1POv2eY04 - a Hillsongs arrangement.

(22/11/2025)

'Jesus calls us here to meet Him'

A gathering song from the Iona Community, set to an old Hebridean melody.